On the apterous line of the termite Velocitermes heteropterus (Isoptera: Termitidae): developmental pathways and cellulose digestion.

Termites are social insects with an extraordinary ability to digest cellulose. Termite societies are structured into castes, and patterns of postembryonic development vary between different termite species. The apterous line may exhibit polymorphism ("physical castes"), in which workers are dimorphic and soldiers can be either dimorphic or trimorphic. We examined the occurrence of polymorphism in the apterous line of Velocitermes heteropterus and determined the developmental pathways for this termite species. We also investigated the expression of the cellulase genes encoding β-glucosidase and endo-β-1,4-glucanase among the castes to determine whether there is a difference in digestion and, consequently, a possible division of labor with respect to this activity among the worker castes. The apterous line of V. heteropterus presents individuals of both sexes with two larval instars. The female larvae become major workers, and the male larvae become minor workers and soldiers. The expression of β-glucosidase was similar within the castes, but the expression of endo-β-1,4-glucanase was higher in workers than in soldiers. No significant differences were found between minor and major workers. These results suggest that there is no division of labor between the minors and majors with regard to cellulose digestion, with both workers contributing similarly to this process.